I'd definitely go with Honda Civic and Mazda 3 (being the Mazda 3 owner I am, haha).
As for VW Rabbit... I like that too. Good handling and more comfort.. better interior design.
However, with VWs... if you want to add options and mod anything, that will be pricey.

Mazda, which is partly (about 70% I believe) owned by ford, joint-developed the mazda3 / focus chassis together. They share identical chassis and engine. The only difference is in the outer and interior appearances.

Actually in the US the Mazda 3 is based on the same platform as the Volvo S40 while the Ford Focus uses an older, less advanced one. As for engines, the base engine, a 2.0L 4cylinder, has been tuned in the Mazda for an additional 8 horsepower and 2 lb/ft of torque at max, and the Mazda 3 is also available with a more powerful 2.3 L 4 cylinder engine. The Mazda also has a longer wheelbase, is longer and wider.

the best car to buy is a suzuki swift sport. i got this for £14,995 and is a beauty. also rated the best small car on the show top gear(well known for testing cars by merc and bmw etc...) although this car model was only released in europe

Mazda, which is partly (about 70% I believe) owned by ford, joint-developed the mazda3 / focus chassis together. They share identical chassis and engine. The only difference is in the outer and interior appearances.

Just a Correction, It's 33.4% owned by Ford in 1999 and i don't think it increased. Anyhow it's not more than 50% i know for sure.

I like the Civic or the Mazda 3, their both good cars. I driven both and liked both but would go w/ Mazda 3 cuz i don't really like the new civic design. However don't 4get that honda never breaks down If to save gas then get a prius which is by far the best as of right now i believe. Or wait couple more years and get an electric car